The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, claims that red wine and grape seed extracts can help remove potentially harmful bacteria from your teeth.

Before you pour yourself another glass in the name of good dental hygiene, it's worth noting that scientists haven't figured out yet if there is a link between drinking wine and less cavities.

Keep clicking to see what other so-called vices actually can do you some good.

Red wine
It seems every other day a study comes out either for or...

Red wine It seems every other day a study comes out either for or... Photo-6339992.78676 - SFGate

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Beer:Beer and BBQ aren't typically considered healthy choices, but science has come to the rescue. A recent study says marinating pork in certain beers for a couple of hours can negate some of the potentially cancerous effects that grilling meat can have.

Being overweight:Contrary to popular belief, one study says that being overweight is actually good for you... if you're over the age of 65. The study looked at the mortality rates of various age groups and Body Mass Index (BMI) levels, finding that people over 65 years of age with a BMI of 23-33 lived longer. The findings could re-write what we think we know about BMI recommendations.

Being overweight: Contrary to popular belief, one study says... Photo-3889883.78676 - SFGate

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Dairy fat:Two studies (yes, two!) recently came out singing whole milk's praises. As reported by NPR, one study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care found that middle-aged men who consumed high-fat milk, butter and cream were, interestingly enough, less likely to become obese over the course of 12 years when compared to guys who rarely or never ate dairy products high in dairy fat.

The other study, which was publish in the European Journal of Nutrition, found that dairy with high fat content was associated with a lowered risk of obesity.

GossipingWe've all been told it's not nice to talk behind people's backs. But here's a bit of news to help ease your guilt: a new study says gossiping can actually be a good thing. Researchers at Stanford University found that gossiping and ostracizing others can "reform bullies, thwart
exploitation of "nice people," and encourage cooperation."

Gossiping
We've all been told it's not nice to talk behind people's...

Gossiping We've all been told it's not nice to talk... Photo-5792588.78676 - SFGate

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Playing computer gamesIt strains the eyes. It's a sedentary activity. We can go on and on about the perceived negative impact of playing computer games. Here's some good news for a change: researchers at the University of Rochester found that video games can act as a training tool to teach people to make a correct decision faster. The study found that gamers have a heightened sense of what's going on around them, which can improve everyday activities like multitasking and reading small print.

Playing computer games
It strains the eyes. It's a sedentary...

Playing computer games It strains the eyes. It's a sedentary... Photo-5792565.78676 - SFGate

According to the study, these feelings are all thanks to a part of the inner ear called the sacculus, which responds to the beat of the music.

Don't worry: the sacculus isn't thought to play a role in hearing functions in humans, and it shows to only be sensitive at very high volumes (+90 decibles.)

So go ahead and rock on! \m/

Photo: Trinette Reed

Listening to loud music
Researchers at the University of Rochester...

Listening to loud music Researchers at the University of... Photo-4831323.78676 - SFGate

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Eating fatDon't be ashamed: we've all ditched the fat to try
to whittle down our waistline at some point or another. But the
brainiacs over at at Harvard University say you don't need to cut it
out of your life altogether. They say to keep an eye out to make sure
you're eating the good kind of fats of the monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated variety.

TextingTexting is changing the way parents and kids communicate. A study by Samsung Mobile says 68 percent of parents communicate with their kids via text. What's more, 56 percent of 13-19-year teens polled said they communicate with their parents more often since they began texting. So go ahead and txt ur mom, k?

Texting
Texting is changing the way parents and kids communicate. A...

Texting Texting is changing the way parents and kids communicate.... Photo-5792680.78676 - SFGate

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CaffeinePulse racing. Sleepless nights. We get it: caffeine has some obvious drawbacks.One study from Harvard University, however, found a redeeming quality in your cup of Joe. Drinking 2-3 cups of coffee a day can reduce depression in women by 15 percent. Drink four cups or more a day, and the risk decreased by 20 percent.

Drinking beerWe all know that wine has been linked to good heart health. Good news, beer drinkers: one study found that the frothy drink has similar cardiovascular health benefits as vino. Bottoms up!

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Drinking beer
We all know that wine has been linked to good heart...

Drinking beer We all know that wine has been linked to good heart... Photo-3528427.78676 - SFGate

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Watching comediesSure, 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective' might be considered low-brow to film aficionados, but one study says comedies have the edge over gory action flicks. Research from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that stressful movies can reduce blood flow in your body. In essence, the study found that comedies are good for your heart health. So go head and laugh it up.

Chocolate Good news for when you're going loco for coco. Dark chocolate (dark being the operative word here) is actually good for your body. You can thank flavonoids, which are rich in antioxidants. If chocolate isn't calling your name, flavonoids can also be found in cranberries, apples, and even onions.

Chocolate
Good news for when you're going loco for coco. Dark...

Chocolate Good news for when you're going loco for coco.... Photo-5294613.78676 - SFGate

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FidgetingTap your fingers when you get antsy? Bob your leg up and down when you're nervous? It may seem like a bad trait, but researchers found that this seemingly minor increase in physical activity can really add up. Researchers found that fidgeting, and the increased blood-pumping that goes along with them, can add to overall cardiovascular health.

FeverA fever is an obvious sign that your body is doing battle. However, one study foundthat a fever can help boost your immune system. Researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute found that immune systems work better and harder when the body temperature is high.

Fever
A fever is an obvious sign that your body is doing battle....

Fever A fever is an obvious sign that your body is doing battle.... Photo-5792730.78676 - SFGate